TikTok Creator's Honey Trap Ends in Saudi Royal Almost Losing His Fingers

In a shocking case, a 24-year-old TikTok creator, Catherine Colivas, orchestrated the kidnapping and extortion of a Saudi royal with the help of three accomplices.

The victim, a 23-year-old crypto trader, was forced to transfer $40,000 in Bitcoin after being threatened with having his fingers cut off.

Despite pleading guilty to kidnapping, extortion, theft, recklessly causing injury, and gun possession, Colivas avoided a custodial sentence, receiving only a community corrections order at her hearing in Victoria, Australia—far from the maximum 25-year penalty.

The County Court of Victoria heard that in February 2023, Colivas met the royal through a dating app and lured him out for drinks in Highett and dinner in Cheltenham.

After dinner, the victim drove Colivas home and was ambushed by her accomplices including her boyfriend, who is a known drug dealer, as he walked her to the door.

The men cable-tied him, held him at knifepoint, and demanded $20,000 cash.

When the victim, a crypto trader, offered Bitcoin instead, he was forced to call a friend to facilitate a $40,000 transfer.

The perpetrators then ransacked the victim's home, stealing luxury items including a Louis Vuitton bag, designer clothes, a PlayStation 5, and multiple iPhones, before releasing him.

Injured and shaken, the victim immediately contacted police and was treated overnight in hospital for head and wrist wounds.

While the crime's severity is undeniable, the court cited "exceptional circumstances" in issuing Colivas a community corrections order, raising questions about the fairness of the sentencing.

'Exceptional Circumstances' Resulted in Criminal Getting Off Scot-Free

Judge Nola Karapanagiotidis acknowledged Catherine Colivas as a key player in the orchestrated crime:

“You were a lure, or bait. You played a crucial role.”

Catherine Colivas (right) seen outside the County Court of Victoria on Monday

However, the judge then deemed a 30-month community corrections order sufficient, citing "exceptional circumstances."

The judge highlighted Colivas' youth, troubled upbringing, fragile mental health, and strong potential for rehabilitation as mitigating factors.

Additionally, her sentencing followed the recent death of her brother, Andrew Colivas, a convicted criminal, who passed away in Vietnam from a suspected drug overdose while awaiting her trial.

Andrew, 25, and his companion Vincent Satuala Atulia, 24—who had a lengthy history of court appearances—died unexpectedly while vacationing in Southeast Asia.

Catherine Colivas (right) with her now-deceased brother, Andrew (left)

Their deaths deeply affected Colivas, a hairdresser and beautician, who now visits her brother's grave three times a week.

Judge Karapanagiotidis expressed:

“I accept it was a jolting experience for you.”

Was Gender Bias at Play in This Lenient Sentencing?

Paris Kennedy, a 22-year-old friend of the primary perpetrator, also pleaded guilty to lesser charges of theft and burglary in connection to the case.

Paris Kennedy (left) and Catherine Colivas (right)

Originally from Sydney, Kennedy shared a similar background of childhood hardships.

Having already served 90 days in custody, she was released on good behaviour after Judge Karapanagiotidis acknowledged her "genuine remorse" expressed through a heartfelt apology to both the court and the victim.

Kennedy, a cosmetic tattoo artist, was already serving a community corrections order in New South Wales for her involvement in a prior violent altercation.

The judge cited her remorse and willingness to reform as key factors in her decision.

Both women appeared visibly elated upon learning they would avoid further incarceration but declined to speak to awaiting media outside the court.

The question remains: Did gender bias play a role in these lenient sentences? Would the outcome have been vastly different if the perpetrators had been men?